Alternative Treatments for Mental Health Beyond Medication
Unable to meditate? Could you please tell me if there are any other treatment options besides taking Ritan tablets for this symptom?
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, in addition to the use of beta-blockers, there are other types of medications that can improve akathisia, such as propranolol and anti-anxiety medications. However, it is important to consider other symptoms when making a comprehensive assessment. If you have concerns in t...[Read More] Alternative Treatments for Mental Health Beyond Medication
How to Manage Excessive Libido: Seeking Help and Medication Options
How to reduce sexual desire? If you have a high sex drive and are looking to lower it, you may consider consulting a healthcare professional, specifically an endocrinologist or a psychiatrist, who can evaluate your situation and discuss potential treatment options. Medications th...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello, regarding the medication you inquired about, I’m sorry, but I am not familiar with it and cannot provide an answer. As for concerns about poor impulse control, it is advisable to seek evaluation and recommendations from a healthcare professional.[Read More] How to Manage Excessive Libido: Seeking Help and Medication Options
Understanding Panic Disorder vs. Anxiety: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing frequent chest tightness and pain, difficulty breathing, and even hyperventilation. I often feel nauseous for no apparent reason, and sometimes I have a sensation of a foreign body in my throat. ...
Dr. Guo Jialun Reply:
Anxiety disorders, in a broad sense, encompass various anxiety-related diagnoses, such as panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Many patients exhibit multiple symptoms simultaneously. In terms of treatment, the primary medication options are selective serotonin/norepin...[Read More] Understanding Panic Disorder vs. Anxiety: Symptoms and Treatment Options
Managing Anxiety and Hyperventilation Syndrome: Medication Strategies
Hyperventilation syndrome Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from anxiety disorder for 6-7 years, and during this time, I have been consistently taking medication: 0.5 mg of Xanax twice daily, 2 tablets of Lyrica at night, and one tablet of Ritalin + Xanax + Lunesta before bed. ...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. Based on your description, I can sense your discomfort and concern. In addition to pharmacological treatment, you may also consider biofeedback therapy. If you have not yet undergone this treatment, please discuss it with your primary ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Hyperventilation Syndrome: Medication Strategies
Understanding Schizophrenia: Treatment Challenges and Options for Families
Schizophrenia A family member has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been undergoing treatment for over six months. The medications have been changed frequently, and the dosage has increased. Currently, they are taking 30 mg of Aripiprazole, 20 mg of Ziprasidone, and one t...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. Based on the medication information you provided, the dosage your family member is taking is indeed high. It is occasionally observed in clinical practice that patients may have a poor response to medication treatment, leading to gradu...[Read More] Understanding Schizophrenia: Treatment Challenges and Options for Families
How to Manage Anxiety in New Environments: Tips for Overcoming Nervousness
How to adjust and manage your tendency to feel anxious? Recently, I started learning in a new environment, but I tend to get very nervous and fear crowds. I'm afraid that my anxiety will cause stomach pain, and I might not be able to go to the restroom during class. I worry ...
Dr. Liu Runqian Reply:
It is recommended to start with some relaxation techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or the Jacobson relaxation method. Additionally, carrying some short-acting anxiolytic medications for temporary use may be helpful. If symptoms do not impr...[Read More] How to Manage Anxiety in New Environments: Tips for Overcoming Nervousness
Can Traditional and Western Medicine Be Used Together for Mental Health?
Can traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine be taken together? Two months ago, I was diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. After taking Western medicine, my symptoms gradually improved, and I switched to traditional Chinese medicine. Two weeks ago, I redu...
Dr. Song Chengxian Reply:
Hello, Ms. Huang: I am not aware of your medication, but I recommend that you discuss with your prescribing physician whether it is appropriate to combine it with traditional Chinese medicine and what precautions to take. I would also like to remind all patients and readers that ...[Read More] Can Traditional and Western Medicine Be Used Together for Mental Health?
Understanding Sleepwalking: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
About sleepwalking? Hello Doctor: Recently, my father has been falling out of bed at night because he dreams of walking, falling, or being chased. Could this be a sign of sleepwalking? His body moves in accordance with his dreams. If we want to improve this situation, what should...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. Based on your description, your father's physical movements during dreams are likely indicative of "REM Sleep Behavior Disorder." Typically, individuals who experience this disorder do not remember their actions. Current...[Read More] Understanding Sleepwalking: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Weight Gain and Medication Side Effects in Psychiatry
Adverse drug reactions, pharmacotherapy, psychiatric medications? Dr. Liang: Hello, I apologize for bothering you during your busy schedule. I am a patient with trichotillomania for over a decade. I would like to ask about my recent medication change, which has led to a significa...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello Norma: Currently, taking these three medications should not cause weight gain. Weight management is recommended to focus on diet and exercise. If there are issues with the medication, it is advisable to discuss them with your physician during your follow-up visit. If you ne...[Read More] Understanding Weight Gain and Medication Side Effects in Psychiatry
Am I Experiencing Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
Am I experiencing autonomic nervous system dysfunction? Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask. Last year during my internship, I experienced palpitations and underwent tests such as echocardiography and electrocardiogram, which revealed issues with mitral valve ...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Following your comprehensive physical examination, it has been found that you have mitral valve prolapse and tricuspid regurgitation. Therefore, please follow up with a cardiologist to monitor your condition and adjust your medications accordingly. Regarding th...[Read More] Am I Experiencing Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction?
Understanding Daytime Sleepiness in Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychiatric conditions can lead to significant drowsiness? Hello doctor, I have a history of panic disorder for a total of 10 years. My condition was stable while on medication, but last month I experienced frequent episodes (suspected to be caused by migraines, as my EEG results...
Dr. Ding Shuyan Reply:
Hello, if you have questions regarding your medical treatment, medication side effects, etc., you should discuss them with your physician, as they are most familiar with your condition and have the responsibility to clarify your concerns and adjust your medications. Asking unfami...[Read More] Understanding Daytime Sleepiness in Psychiatric Medication Management
Is Overusing Sleeping Pills Dangerous for Insomnia Sufferers?
Is it okay to take too many sleeping pills when you can't sleep? Dear Dr. Chang, I have been experiencing insomnia for some time and consulted a doctor who prescribed a medication called Suan Zhi Meng for me. Initially, I found that I couldn't sleep for long and would...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry. Based on the process you described, it is evident that this issue has significantly affected your daily life and sleep. You mentioned the need for sleeping pills; considering the duration and severity of your sleep disorder, as well as...[Read More] Is Overusing Sleeping Pills Dangerous for Insomnia Sufferers?
Managing Anxiety and Schizophrenia: A Patient's Journey to Stability
Schizophrenia Hello, Doctor Dai. I am a patient with schizophrenia and have been ill for 11 years. For the past 5 years, I have been controlling my condition with Ziprasidone (5 mg) at an average of one pill daily. The symptoms of delusions and hallucinations have not reappeared,...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. Wu: Based on your statements, it seems that the medication is effectively controlling the symptoms of delusions and hallucinations, but the situation regarding generalized anxiety is worsening. Schizophrenia can indeed be associated with symptoms of anxiety and depressi...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Schizophrenia: A Patient's Journey to Stability
Understanding Xanax vs. Xanax XR: Dosage and Timing for Anxiety Management
Medication Issues - Xanax and Xanax XR Hello Doctor, I am a patient with a 7-8 year history of anxiety disorder. I have been taking Xanax (alprazolam) 0.5 mg short-acting twice daily for nearly six years. Typically, I only increase to a third pill on days when I experience sudde...
Dr. Dai Wanxiang Reply:
Hello Mr. ASOS: There is no difference in dosage between the regular and extended-release formulations of XANAX (0.5mg); the actual effects depend on individual clinical experience (which may vary from 1/2 to 4 times the dosage). However, the extended-release formulation has a sl...[Read More] Understanding Xanax vs. Xanax XR: Dosage and Timing for Anxiety Management
Understanding Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Sleep and Wakefulness
Medication Consultation Hello Doctor: I have been taking psychiatric medication for five years, during which I have switched between many different medications because I couldn't adapt to them and felt worse instead. Currently, I take half a tablet of Mirtazapine before bed,...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Based on your description, you have had nine hours of sleep from 11 PM to 8 AM, which should be sufficient. However, you are having difficulty getting up in the morning. Although the dosages of the medications you are taking are not high and most of them are shor...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Effects of Psychiatric Medications on Sleep and Wakefulness
Understanding Serotonin Medications: Dosage, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Serotonin medications Hello, doctor, thank you for your response! I have some more questions to ask you... Is it possible to start taking serotonin medication at a low dose, such as one-fourth of a pill, and gradually increase it? If so, will the body slowly adapt to the side eff...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry and for your message. When using medication, starting at a low dose can relatively reduce the occurrence of side effects. Of course, some individuals may still not be suitable for certain medications, which is why I recommend exploring ...[Read More] Understanding Serotonin Medications: Dosage, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Understanding Serotonin Medications: Why They May Not Work for Everyone
Serotonin-related medications Doctor, is it true that about one in ten people cannot use serotonin-related medications? I have autonomic nervous system dysfunction along with panic attacks! I experience palpitations, unstable blood pressure, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizzi...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your inquiry and for your message. I understand that autonomic nervous system dysregulation combined with panic attacks can be quite uncomfortable for you. You also mentioned that you have had an adverse experience with secondary serotonin treatment...[Read More] Understanding Serotonin Medications: Why They May Not Work for Everyone
Can Patients with Schizophrenia Use Accessible Transport to NTU Hospital?
Can individuals with severe mental illness use a rehabilitation bus or accessible taxi to travel from Pingtung to National Taiwan University Hospital? Can a person with severe schizophrenia take a rehabilitation bus or an accessible taxi from Pingtung to National Taiwan Universit...
Dr. Zhang Fangrong Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Thank you for your message. On behalf of the hospital, I would like to respond to your inquiry. Regarding your concerns about taking the rehabilitation bus, I recommend that you consult with the Social Affairs Bureau or the Social Services Division for assistance...[Read More] Can Patients with Schizophrenia Use Accessible Transport to NTU Hospital?
Do Antipsychotics Contain Steroids? Understanding Side Effects and Risks
Are there steroids? Does Jinsupso (Jinpu Su) or Silokang (Silokang) contain steroids? Increased appetite and weight gain, a rounder face resembling a moon face, a buffalo hump on the neck and back, abdominal obesity with thinner limbs, and fat accumulation in the abdomen due to s...
Dr. Liang Sunyuan Reply:
Hello: These medications do not contain steroids, but they can indeed lead to increased appetite. The way to manage this is to develop good eating habits, chew slowly, avoid sugary drinks, and exercise regularly, which can usually help control it. If you have any other questions,...[Read More] Do Antipsychotics Contain Steroids? Understanding Side Effects and Risks
Exploring DSIP Injections for Deep Sleep Enhancement in Psychiatry
DSIP injection Hello doctor, I do not suffer from insomnia, although I occasionally wake up in the middle of the night, my total sleep time is sufficient. I do not experience significant stress or anxiety, and I have undergone surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)....
Dr. Zhong Mingxun Reply:
I am not aware of any physicians in the country who administer DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) to promote deep sleep. A lack of slow-wave sleep (N3, N4) is often associated with vivid dreaming. If this is the case, it is likely to be a psychological issue. I recommend seeking...[Read More] Exploring DSIP Injections for Deep Sleep Enhancement in Psychiatry